Matias Aguayo is a German-Chilean producer and DJ. A lover of sea urchins—among many other things—he released his first record in 1997 as part of Zimt, a duo with Michael Mayer. In 2009, he launched his own record label, Cómeme. Like many Latin artists, he seems to be on another planet. Matias Aguayo has just released “Anenoa
“ his fifth album, a record where synth-pop, uninhibited Latin vibes, and electronic minimasliste music collide. He brings together a diverse group of artists across Latin America, Europe, and beyond, turning the album into a constellation of voices and perspectives. A profile of the man himself.

Welcome! A glass of?

No, a cup of Coffee please, Espresso. 

Your first approach to Djing?

Probably around 1984, birthday party playing Disco Funk as an early teen.

Do you consider yourself as a beatmaker or a composer?

Both. I think the distinction between melody and music only creates bad dance music as a result.

Your first approach to music production?

1979 or so - me recording my voice on tape, making silly sounds.

How many instruments do you play?

I am not an expert on any instrument, but I think I get something nice out of most of them.

Soft or hardware?

The dialogue between both!

7 or 12 inch?

12, but thanks god I don’t really have to choose.

Can you explain the concept behind the title and music video of “Sentimientos Encontraos"? Video below

It is about the anxiety in this late capitalist stage and how to turn it into energy for resistance on the one hand, and on the other hand it is a tool to create energies between people on the dance floor, specially with the part that says “you already know how I am and I already know how your are!”

I know it's difficult, but what's your favorite track from "Anenoa" Lp and why? If you can't choose, what are your top 3?

Yeah that would be like saying who is your favorite child, but I have a special connection to the track “Anenoa pt 1 “ as it built the basis for all the rest I find. It was created in the context of a small series of videos friends of mine and I did during the pandemic called “2031 television del futuro para la gente del pasado” in which we pretended to be streaming from a better future. 

What is a production-related question that you would like to ask yourself – and what's your answer to it? 

I always like to work with different equipment and learn new things, as I think many new ideas emerge when you’re just getting started with a different setup or way of working

Sun or moon?

Last time I counted I have mentioned the sun in two songs of mine whereas the moon is represented in seven. 

Any ritual before a gig?

Eating rice. 

Your maximum BPM?

I'm playing all BPM. I think BPM is just a number. Just can play a super fast track that is smooth, as you can play a super slow track that is heavy. I don’t appreciate DJs who restrict their sets to a certain BPM at all. 

Mountains or sea?

With my friend Nakeye in Chile we bought Sea Urchin at the market last year in port of Iquique and then went up the Andes to eat it there. 

When you are diggin’ record, what are you obsessed with?

To complete my “14 cañonazos bailable collection”. 

Your top 5 new releases

- Sandy B & Sofa Elsewhere « Siren Work »

- Sexo & Fantasia « Dub del Diavolo » 

- Helado Negro « More » 

- Rakim Under « Lay here Together »

- Bryon Gysin « Dream Machine pt 1 »

Your top 5 oldies

- Adonis « No way Back « 

- Andres Landero « La Pava Congonga »

- Sade « Is it a Crime »

- Los corraleros de Majagual « Caballo Viejo »

- Grupo 5 « La Culebrítica » (DJ Vampiro remix)

The producer who puts you crazy systematically?

Matt Karmil. 

What’s your motto, your adage, your favorite quote?

“I think men should only be allowed to barbecue if they also know how to cook rice” by me.

What job would you like to do if you weren’t a composer?

Theatre director.

What does Paris represent for you?

A beautiful part of my life, and also my work at the centre pénitentiaire de Meaux and the Théâtre du Chatelet. 

Interviewed by snic / Photo by Marcelo Setton